Golden-naped woodpecker

The golden-naped woodpecker (Melanerpes chrysauchen) is a species of bird belonging to the woodpecker family, Picidae. This species is closely related to the beautiful woodpecker, and at times, they have been considered the same species. Both are sometimes placed within the genus Tripsurus.

Distribution and Habitat

This woodpecker is endemic to Central America, specifically inhabiting the Pacific slopes of southwestern Costa Rica and western Panama. Its preferred environments include subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, as well as heavily degraded former forest areas. It can be found in primary humid rainforests, particularly in open areas with mature trees, woodland edges, secondary forests, plantations, and degraded zones adjacent to natural forests. The species is not migratory and remains within its established range, which spans from sea level up to about 1,500 meters.

Description

Adult golden-naped woodpeckers reach a length of approximately 18 centimeters. While generally similar in appearance to the beautiful woodpecker, their geographical ranges do not overlap. The sexes exhibit some differences in plumage. Males possess a yellow fore-crown and a red central-crown, whereas the female's entire crown is yellow, interrupted only by a narrow black band across the center. Both sexes are distinguished by a yellow nape and a black mask that encircles the eyes and extends to the nape. A small white spot is present behind the eye. The lores, cheeks, chin, throat, and breast are a pale yellow, buff, or grey. The lower breast, belly, and flanks are marked with black and white barring, and a distinct red patch is located on the mid-belly. The mantle is predominantly black, and the wings are brownish with white tips on the flight feathers. The back and rump are mainly white, sometimes with black blotches, and the tail is black with white barring on the outer feathers. The iris is brown, the beak is greyish-black, and the legs are greyish-olive.

Ecology and Behavior

The diet of the golden-naped woodpecker is varied, consisting largely of fruits such as dates, bananas, figs, and fruits from the Cecropia genus. They also forage on tree trunks for insects, including beetle larvae. A notable behavior is their aerial sallies, especially at dusk, to capture flying insects like winged termites. Nests are constructed within cavities excavated in trees. The breeding season typically falls between March and June, with the possibility of raising two broods within a single season.

Conservation Status

The golden-naped woodpecker is assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as being of 'least concern.' There are no identified particular threats to the species, and its population is considered to be steady. Despite its restricted geographical range, it is a common bird within its habitat, with an estimated total area of occupation of 23,800 square kilometers.